Discaya Claims Kickbacks for Lawmakers, DPWH Officials Delivered in Paper Bags
Contractor Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya (and his wife, Sarah) admitted in a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing that they paid kickbacks of 10% to 25% of contract values to DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) officials in exchange for flood control projects in Quezon City.
The payments were often in cash, delivered in paper bags, either at luxury hotels (like the Shangri-La) or directly to DPWH offices.
If they refused to make such payments, they were threatened with contract termination, delays (e.g. right-of-way issues), or other obstacles.
They also claimed that many lawmakers (district & party-list representatives) were involved; some named in the affidavits/testimony include: Arjo Atayde, Marvin Rillo, Marivic Co‑Pilar, Patrick Michael Vargas, Roman Romulo, among others
DPWH officials named include regional directors, district engineers, undersecretaries—some of them alleged intermediaries (“conduits”) for collecting these kickbacks.
Reactions & denials
Many of the lawmakers and officials named have strongly denied the allegations, calling them false, malicious, or politically motivated. Daily Tribune+1
Some argue that Discaya’s statements are inconsistent. Discrepancies were raised in their testimony vs. what was in the affidavit, especially about which contracts/projects were involved, when they occurred, exact financial figures, etc. Philstar+2Philstar+2
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